Late for School
Critical Analysis
According to the data above, what should be the number one consideration as K-12 schools that are not currently open for any in-person instruction decide whether to reopen?
Describe how American opinions on considerations about whether schools should reopen have changed over time?
How has your own opinion on considerations about whether schools should reopen changed over time?
A majority of Americans are placing academic concerns above health concerns regarding whether schools should reopen, yet schools are not reopening. What about the American political system explains this disconnect?
Federalism is the division of powers between national and sub-national governments. How does federalism impact the reopening of schools?
Who decides whether your school is ready to open or not?
Describe the story of school openings and closings in your district.
In the map below you will see where the CDC has recommended schools being open or closed.* Why does the recommendation of the CDC not equal the reality of whether schools are actually open?
Based on the way the pandemic has been handled in our country would you recommend a national based education system where power is concentrated and decisions are made at the national level as opposed to the local level?
Where I live, and in much of the nation, restaurants (more dangerous) are open and schools (less dangerous) are closed. What does this reflect about the American political and economic system?
According to the chart below, how do demographic differences impact views on the reopening of schools?*
Let’s say that you felt strongly about school reopening. Explain what government official would be best to contact to turn your opinion into policy.
Nationwide, the majority of high schools have closed in-person learning. Explain how this will impact the United States in the long term.
Describe whether you learned online, in-person, or with a hybrid this year and how your method of schooling impacted your learning this year.
Learning Extension
Read the Pew Report on American public opinion about school reopening.
Action Extension
Contact your local school board and let them know what you think about school reopening.